Sigma presents its first versatile zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras with E and L mounts. Designed specifically for travel photography, the Sigma 20-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary should appeal to those who like to travel light. It stands out with a 20mm wide-angle focal length and a half-macro function.
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Presentation
Sigma’s lens catalog continues to expand. Alongside the highly anticipated 35mm f/1.2 DG Art and the surprising 135mm f/1.4 DG Art, the Japanese manufacturer has unveiled the Sigma 20-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary, a highly versatile and useful zoom lens.
Until now, the lens manufacturer had focused on fairly long focal lengths for full-frame telephoto zooms, as evidenced by the 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports. The shortest zoom lens to date was the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sports.
With its new zoom lens, Sigma is entering a market that ultimately has relatively few options. Its competitors in the E-mount category are only the (aging) Sony FE 24-240 mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS and the Tamron 28-200 mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD. As for the L-mount, the only option is the Panasonic Lumix S 28-200mm f/4-7.1 Macro OIS.
In any case, it should be noted that Sigma has opted for a shorter focal length at the wide-angle end (20 mm). This feature is only found on the Sony FE 20-70 mm f/4 G and Panasonic Lumix S 20-60 mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lenses.
Here is a list of the features of the Sigma 20-200 mm f/3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary:
- focal length: 20-200 mm (30-300 mm in APS-C)
- lens for sensor: full frame
- maximum aperture: f/3.5-6.3
- min. aperture: f/22-40
- field of view: 94.5-12.3°
- Optical construction: 18 elements in 14 groups (1 FLD lens, 3 SLD lenses, 4 aspherical lenses)
- diaphragm: circular, 9 blades
- minimum focusing distance: 25 cm (at 20 mm), 16.5 cm (at 28 mm), and 65 cm (beyond 70 mm)
- image stabilization: N/A
- tropicalization: moisture- and dust-resistant construction
- Maximum magnification: 0.5x (between 28 and 85 mm)
- Focus: autofocus, HLA linear motor
- Filter diameter: ø 72 mm
- dimensions: ø 77.2 x 115.5 mm
- weight: 550 g
- accessories included: lens hood, front and rear caps, lens collar
- Compatible mount: Sony E, Leica L
- launch price: $999
Optical formula provided
Unsurprisingly, given the focal range, the optical formula is quite complex. There are no fewer than 18 elements in 14 groups, including 1 FLD lens, 3 SLD lenses, and 4 aspherical lenses. This design aims to limit overall bulk while offering consistently excellent sharpness and minimizing aberrations.
A unique feature of this zoom lens is its optical design, which allows for 0.5x “semi-macro” shots between 28 and 85 mm. This is much better than the Tamron lens, which allowed for the same feature, but only at 28 mm. This makes it possible to take very close-up shots and easily highlight small subjects.
The sliding aperture of f/3.5-6.3 is provided by a circular diaphragm composed of 9 blades. Note that the lens is not stabilized.
In terms of autofocus, it features HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) motorization, which is found in most of Sigma’s recent telephoto lenses.
Simplified ergonomics
The Sigma 20-200 mm f/3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary zoom lens is fairly minimalist. Apart from the focus and zoom rings, there is only an AF/MF switch on the side of the lens. The only decorative feature is the silver “C” logo.
Weighing in at 550 g, this Sigma lens is even lighter than the Tamron 28-200 mm. At 11.5 cm, it is comparable in length and slightly wider with a diameter of 7.7 cm. Unsurprisingly, the zoom extends considerably at full zoom, reaching around 20 cm. The filter diameter is 72 mm.
This zoom lens is actually very similar to Canon or Sony’s 24-240 zoom lenses, but much lighter. This is undoubtedly due to its optical design—and the lack of stabilization.
Finally, note that the lens is dust-resistant and splash-proof. These are two features that travel, nature, and urban exploration photographers will particularly appreciate.
Below is a selection of photos taken with the Sigma 20-200 mm f/3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary (provided by the brand):
Price and availability of the Sigma 20-200 mm f/3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary
The Sigma 20-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary is available at a price of $999, on Sony E and L Mount. Deliveries are expected to begin on September 25, 2025.
You can find this lens at B&H and Amazon.
Our initial thoughts on the Sigma 20-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary
With this lens, Sigma has created a versatile and very useful zoom lens. Compact, lightweight, and offering a welcome “half-macro” function, this zoom lens will undoubtedly find its place in the camera bag of photographers who shoot every day or travel frequently. Its “shortened” focal length at 20mm wide angle will also allow for wider framing, which architecture and landscape enthusiasts should greatly appreciate.
Finally, Sigma has made the wise decision to offer a competitive price, similar to that of the Tamron 28-200 mm when it was launched in 2020. This means that the Sigma zoom lens, while offering a more advanced and modern design, can also claim to be the best value for money.
